Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park Dedication
Hundreds of people gathered for the dedication of the Mattie J. T. Stepanek park in Rockville, Maryland on Saturday, October 21.
Nearly 1,000 people attended the event over the course of the day. Oprah Winfrey also made a suprise appearance, stating "I'm here because I loved my guy Mattie."

Oprah admiring bronze statue of Mattie and his service dog, Micah
(Photo by Ed Tenney)

Jeni Stepanek & service dog Micah, with Mattie's Statue.
(Photo by Ben Quinto)

During the dedication event, the Peace Garden with Mattie’s statue was unveiled and the new ‘Bank Shot’ courts were opened. In addition, visitors found benches and plaques with quotes from Mattie’s books and speeches, and inscribed bricks with messages from supporters.

Engraved bricks in Mattie's Peace Garden.
(Photo by Jeni Stepanek)

When completed, Mattie’s Park will also include lighted football fields, a softball field, picnic pavilion, concession stand, restrooms, and more.

Dedication events were hosted by the City of Rockville, MD, by the Mattie J.T. Stepanek King Farm Foundation, and by the King Farm Citizens Assembly

The Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park is a 26+ acre recreational facility. Currently, the park includes an accessible playground, basket ball and tennis courts, walking and jogging paths, green space, and a dog park. Mattie’s Park is located in Rockville, MD at the intersection of Gaither Road and Piccard Drive (just off of I-270 Exit 8: Shady Grove Road)

View more photos from the Dedication

Additional news stories on the Park Dedication:

Oprah.com: A Tribute to Mattie J.T. Stepanek

Oprah.com: Remembering Mattie (plus photos of park dedication)

ABC News

Fox News 5

Gazette

Gazette Video of Park Dedication

If you are interested in sponsoring a brick in Mattie's Peace Garden, or other sponsorship opportunities, please visit the sponsorship page. You can also Join Mattie's Peace Network

For more information E-mail: heartsongbooks@aol.com